The Fort Collins Police department is warning residents about a new scam that has been happening in Fort Collins. The scam involves Green Dot MoneyPak reloadable debit cards. they are being used by criminals to steal money from card holders.

HOW DOES THE SCAM WORK?

You receive a call from an unknown person stating you have won a sweepstakes from out of state. You only need to pay the taxes before the winnings are distributed to you. The caller, who is quite convincing, will tell you to make the payment via the MoneyPak card. After you purchase the card you are asked to scratch off the serial number on the back and provide it to the sweepstakes representative. Unfortunately, you just gave them your money and the sweepstakes is a fraud.

The MoneyPak card has a message on the back.

FRAUD ALERT: Use your MoneyPak number only with businesses listed at moneypak.com. If anyone else asks for your MoneyPak number, it’s probably a scam. If a criminal gets your money, Green Dot is not responsible to pay you back.

HOW TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED

Never provide your MoneyPak card number to someone you don’t know or is not an authorized business.

Be wary of websites or Craigslist advertisements linking websites where customers are specifically asked to pay with MoneyPak cards.

Avoid offers that don’t accept credit card payments and require you to purchase a MoneyPak and then provide the card number via email or by phone.

Beware of websites requesting MoneyPak as a form of payment even if they display the MoneyPak or Green Dot logo. You should always check with moneypak.com for a list of approved MoneyPak partners.